10 Dorm Room Tips You Need To Know

It’s back to school season which means it’s time for students to get organized. Not just with their classes, with their dorm rooms too. If you’re a student preparing to get back into the swing of things, it’s crucial to make sure you’re prepared before the first day of the semester. Sure, your backpack should be organized but so should the place you’re going to spend a majority of your time in – your dorm room! Here are 10 tips for creating the perfect space:

Make Sure You Have The Necessary Shower Essentials

Most college dorm rooms have this disgusting little thing called communal showers. They’re pretty common and although they’re probably your least favorite part about dorm rooms, you can easily make them more bearable. Just be prepared. Purchase a shower caddy and keep it stocked with your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofa, etc. And don’t forget to take your shower shoes, towel, and a bathrobe with you.

Have A Designated Study Space

Dorm rooms usually come equipped with desks. Which is great, but not everyone studies at a desk. When you move in, very quickly decide where you want your designated study space to be and make it yours. Whether that means adding pillows to your seat for cushion or purchasing a calendar you can write your assignments on — have space specifically for your schoolwork and design it to your liking!

Use Under-The-Bed Storage

If your dorm lets you lift your bed, definitely do so! The amount of room it’ll open up will make it feel as if you’re not living in a cramped closet, but an actual bedroom. Yes! Plus, you can use the space below your bed for storage. Clothes, toilet paper, extra towels, shoes, etc. Everything should have a place and raising your bed might provide you with that space.

Make Sure Your Risers Have Outlets

If you decide to have your bed high, make sure your risers have outlets. For whatever reason, there are never enough outlets in a dorm room. If your risers can elevate your bed, as well as charge your iPhone and other electronics you’re in for an amazing semester. Bed Bath & Beyond has a 4-piece set available that you can purchase online!

Invest In A Neck/Back Massager

You’re going to experience stress in college. Regardless of if you’re a Freshman or a Senior, some days are going to be bad. And on those days, it’ll be great to be able to go home, relax, and plug in a neck/back massager to relieve all the tension you’ve occurred during the day.

Amazon has a fantastic product available. It’s called the Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager, with an added heat function. Trust me, you’ll feeling absolutely amazing after using this for 15-30 minutes. Just make sure your roomies don’t try to take it from you ;).

Keep Snacks In Your Kitchen

Cafeterias don’t stay open 24/7. There are going to be times, more than a few when you’ll be craving food before or after hours. This is why it’s important to keep snacks in your dorm room. It’s also a great way to cut costs when you can! Money doesn’t grow on trees when you’re a college student. Avoid paying the ridiculously high costs of chips at your campus store, by keeping your favorite snacks in your dorm room.

Leave Your Off-Season Clothes At Home

You’re moving away from home, but that doesn’t mean you have to take all of your clothes with you. It’s still summer, leave your heavy winter jackets and snow boots at your parents. They can ship those clothes to you when the weather cools down or you can pick them up the next time you’re home. It’s up to you. All I’m saying is, the fewer clothes you bring the more space you’ll have — and the better organized your room will be.

Make Time For Laundry

Not only should you actually be washing your clothes regularly (because you definitely should), you should be washing them efficiently. Your mom isn’t there to do your laundry for you. Which means, it’s time for you to pay attention. Read the labels on your clothes and use a detergent that actually gets out stains. How you wash your clothes is going to determine how much money you spend over the years. If you can keep your attire clean and neat, you won’t have to constantly be buying new clothes (or asking your parents for money to buy new clothes).

Don’t Ever Forget Your Shower Shoes

I already mentioned how you should have shower shoes. But it’s more than something you kind of need — it’s something you absolutely have to have. The number of bacteria and germs in a dorm shower would blow your mind. I’m not trying to scare you, but it’s true. You don’t want to experience athletes foot or wake up with a wart you can’t explain (or get rid of). Protect yourself!

Split The Responsibilities Early

Odds are, you’re sharing a dorm room with another person — maybe even several people. If that’s the case, make sure you all decide early on who’s doing what chores. The earlier you split up those responsibilities the less likely you’ll be to run into arguments down the road. Get everyone together and make a schedule. Not just who does what but when and how often. Keeping your dorm room clean is honestly the key to having a great semester. No one wants to come home to a messy and smelly place!